How to Play Small Suited Connectors Post Flop (Poker)
These hands are cards that low limit players love to play even when they have missed on the flop. The simple fact is that in playing these cards you are going to need a lot of help to improve your hand. Suited cards look more appealing than they actually are. In fact you are usually left only with the hope of hitting your flush. The reason for this is that even if you hit a pair you are usually behind any other pair that a player hits. In addition you don't have a good kicker.
provide the additional possibility of a flush or straight, the reason why players love to play them.
Lets look at playing them once the flop is down. Ideally, you will be looking for a flop that gives you 2 pair, a flush or a straight. Let's assume you hit your 2 pair. You hold 9-T Hearts and the flop reads 9-d, T-c, As. You have 2 pair and you should play this aggressively. Your chances of hitting a flush or a straight are now nil. You will be hoping that a player has AK or AQ, as they will not lay down their hand on a raise. In fact it is likely they will put in a re-raise.
Players never expect their top pair to be beaten and were likely waiting half an hour for their AK or AQ so they will be intent on playing the hand aggressively. Take advantage of this.
If you flop a flush you will think that you have it in the bag, but be careful. If another flush card hits it could give someone a higher flush. You should put in a big raise but tread carefully should there be 4 cards of the same suit on the board. Don't give extra cards on the cheap. On a flush draw you should not bet like a maniac prematurely. Try to see the turn and river as cheaply as possible and make your hand.
Remember you are unlikely to scare players off the pot with a raise in Low Limit games so don't encourage a betting frenzy before you have something to play with. Once you have your flush you can be aggressive. If you have a flush and a straight draw you have 15 outs and are a favorite, so you should bet aggressively. As a rule, if you hold 15 or more outs, you are a favorite and should go for the kill.
The flop will provide the indication as to the strength of your small suited connectors. Most of the time you will know right away whether there is any potential in your hand. If you miss the flop completely, fold and wait for a better situation. If you hit a great flop, play the hand aggressively but be ready to fold on the turn if you are beat. Remember that as a favorite on the flop this is easily turned around. Know your scare cards.
Be realistic and don't commit lots of your stack on mediocre hands. Get out of the hand if you have not improved post flop (unless you have a very good draw). Think of these hands merely as potential and get used to trying to make hands on the cheap.
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